FAQs
Company Information
Can you tell me more about your company?
Absolutely! We are a small, Black woman-owned company that specializes in premium botanical hair care products deeply rooted in ancient wisdom. Our products are meticulously formulated to cater to the unique needs of individuals with kinky, coily, and curly hair types, which tend to be naturally dry. However, they are also versatile, effective, and beneficial for all hair types. We take pride in our traditional approach to hand-making our products in small batches, which ensures their freshness.
What inspired the creation of Botanical Voyage?
Botanical Voyage was inspired by the belief that nature holds the key to healthy, beautiful hair. Our founder, moved by a personal journey to overcome hair care challenges using natural remedies, recognized the transformative power of botanicals. This realization sparked a dedication to uncovering time-honored global traditions for the most effective natural hair care solutions. Each product we offer is the culmination of thorough research into global traditions and wisdom, designed to provide a holistic, effective approach to hair care.
Product Information
What makes your hair care products unique?
Our hair care products are crafted with a firm commitment to botanical purity, steering clear of synthetic or toxic chemicals. They are synonymous with premium quality due to their rich botanical potency. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, our products draw on rich global traditions with proven benefits to address the comprehensive needs of your hair. Whether it's moisture, protection, nourishment, or strength, our versatile range meets the individual needs of every hair type, providing holistic care that is both effective and rooted in tradition.
Are your products cruelty-free?
Yes, our products are 100% cruelty-free, with no animal testing conducted or condoned.
Are your products vegan?
Yes, all our products are 100% vegan and do not include animal-derived ingredients.
Are your products nut-free?
No. Some products include nut-derived ingredients such as shea nut, argan, or sweet almond oil. Our products are handmade in a facility that also processes nuts.
What ingredients do you use in your products?
We exclusively use premium botanical ingredients in our products. A detailed list of these ingredients can be found on our product packaging and on our website.
What hardening agents do you use in your butters?
Unlike many other butters that use beeswax, stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, or additional hardening agents and fatty thickeners, our botanical treatment butters feature a highly concentrated formula made exclusively with pure, plant-based ingredients. We prioritize a natural formulation that maintains the butter's inherently smooth and creamy texture.
What is the advantage of powder form water-activated botanical hair treatments?
There are several advantages to using water-activated botanical hair treatments in powder form:
Preservative-Free: The powder form allows for a product that does not require preservatives, maintaining the natural integrity and ensuring the absence of potentially harmful chemicals.
Potent and Fresh: Mixing the treatment with liquid just before application guarantees that active ingredients are at their freshest and most potent state, offering maximum benefits.
Customization: Users can control the consistency of the treatment, creating a personalized mix that caters to specific hair types and conditions, providing a tailored approach to hair care.
Convenient: Powder form treatments are highly concentrated, which means they are lightweight and take up less space, making them ideal for storage and travel. Their concentrated nature also means that a little goes a long way, making them cost-effective.
Are your products suitable for low porosity hair?
Yes, absolutely! As someone with low porosity hair myself, I understand the unique needs of this hair type. That's why I've intentionally crafted our formulas to be effective for all hair porosities, including those of us with low porosity. For those with low porosity hair, I especially recommend customizing with a protein-free, moisturizing deep conditioner rather than opting for protein-rich ingredients like yogurt or coconut milk. This approach ensures optimal hydration without the risk of protein buildup. The ability to customize our botanical masks provides a significant advantage, enabling each user to tailor the product for the best results according to their specific hair concerns.
Should I be concerned if my new product looks or smells slightly different from my last purchase?
There is no cause for concern if you notice slight variations in color, texture, or scent between different purchases of the same product. This can be attributed to the natural characteristics of the herbs and oils we use. Factors such as the season, weather conditions, and even the region where the botanicals were grown or harvested can influence their color, texture, and scent. These variations are a testament to the natural and unadulterated ingredients we use in our formulations and do not compromise the effectiveness or quality of the product.
Product Use and Care
How do I prepare the botanical treatment mask for use?
What You'll Need:
1. Botanical Voyage Treatment Mask: 2 teaspoons per application.
2. Warm Liquid: Choose water, aloe vera juice, or rose water.
3. Honey: (Optional) for added moisture.
4. Essential Oils: (Optional) for a therapeutic aroma.
5. Customize: Choose a moisturizing deep conditioner, plain yogurt, or coconut milk.
6. Mixing Tools: Mixing bowl and spoon.
7. Hair Covering: thermal heat cap or a plastic cap.
8. Cleansing Agent: Co-wash or gentle shampoo (if preferred).
How To Use:
1. Mix the Mask: Start with 2 teaspoons of the Botanical Voyage treatment mask in a bowl.
2. Gradually add a few tablespoons of your chosen warm liquid to the powder, stirring until smooth.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 15-30 minutes for the botanicals to activate, resulting in a rich, creamy consistency.
4. Combine: Mix in your choice of a deep conditioner, yogurt, or coconut milk until you achieve a creamy mixture.
5. Optional: Add honey for extra moisture and/or a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant, therapeutic aroma.
6. Application: Apply to clean, damp hair, working through section by section to ensure thorough coverage. Then, cover your hair with a thermal heat cap or a plastic cap.
7. Processing Time: Leave the mask on for 1 hour or more for deep conditioning.
8. Rinse Off: Rinse the mask out thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with a co-wash or gentle shampoo if desired.
Is pre-mixing the botanicals with a liquid necessary?
It's not necessary to pre-mix the botanicals with a liquid, but we do suggest doing so to achieve a more even and smoother texture in your final mixture.
Should I wait 15-30 minutes to activate my botanical hair mask before application?
Yes, we recommend waiting 15-30 minutes after activation for several reasons. This period allows:
1. Full Hydration: Many of our powders are enriched with mucilage and fibers that swell and thicken in the presence of liquids—such as water, aloe vera, and rose water. This waiting phase ensures that the powders are fully hydrated, resulting in a creamy, slippery consistency.
2. Maximum Benefits: The full swelling of the powders not only affects the texture but also ensures that the active compounds in the powders are fully released. This means your hair and scalp receive the maximum benefits from the nutrients, antioxidants, and moisturizing properties of the ingredients.
3. Ease of Use: A fully hydrated and well-mixed mask provides unparalleled slip, allowing it to glide effortlessly through your hair. This facilitates easier application and better adhesion to your strands.
4. If you're in a rush, you can try using slightly warmer water to speed up the process a bit, although you should still wait at least 15 minutes if possible.
5. Always make sure to stir well both immediately after adding water and a few times while waiting, to help the powders absorb the water more evenly and quickly.
What should I do if I notice any herbal residue after rinsing off the mask?
If you find herbal residue, follow up with a co-wash or a gentle shampoo to remove it.
What should I do with any leftover hair mask mixture, and can I store it for later use?
When preparing a hair mask, we recommend to mix only as much as you need for a single application to avoid leftovers. However, if you do find yourself with extra, you have a couple of storage options:
Refrigeration: If you plan to use the leftover hair mask soon, store the mixture in the refrigerator. It should be used within 2 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the mixture for up to 2 months. This method can preserve the hair mask for future use. When you're ready to use it, thaw the mask in the refrigerator overnight and stir it well before applying. Make sure to use thawed masks within 24 hours to ensure they are still effective and safe.
What should I do if my botanical treatment butter softens in hot temperatures?
We understand that our treatment butters may soften if exposed to hot temperatures. Should this occur and you prefer a firmer texture, we recommend placing the butter in the refrigerator for approximately one hour. After removal, allow the butter to come to room temperature for ease of use. This quick and easy step should firm it up again without compromising the quality or effectiveness of the product.
How do I effectively use botanical butter for hair and body care?
Tips for Hair
- As a Leave-in Conditioner: Apply a small amount to wet or damp hair after washing. Warm the butter by rubbing it between your palms, then gently work it through your hair, concentrating on the drier ends. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to ensure even distribution.
- For Scalp Treatment: Section your hair and apply a small amount directly to the scalp. Gently massage to stimulate blood circulation and support healthy hair growth.
- As a Protective Styling Aid: Prior to creating protective styles such as twists, braids, or Bantu knots, apply the butter along the length of your hair to help with the styling process, add moisture, and minimize frizz. The intense moisture also improves hair pliability, making styling easier.
- To Seal Moisture: After hydrating with water or a leave-in spray, lightly apply the butter to lock in moisture. This method is especially beneficial for natural hair types prone to dryness.
Tips for Body
- After Shower Moisturizer: Apply the butter to damp skin after showering to lock in moisture. Its nutrient-rich formulation absorbs deeply, leaving your skin feeling silky and hydrated without any greasy residue.
- For Dry Areas: Focus on dry, rough areas such as elbows, knees, and heels for targeted hydration and nourishment.
- As a Night-time Hand and Foot Treatment: Apply a generous amount to hands and feet at night. Wearing cotton gloves and socks can maximize absorption, leading to softer and smoother skin by morning.
- For Soothing and Softening: Ideal for softening rough skin patches and can help improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars with regular use.
Remember, with these potent botanicals, less is more. Adjust the amount used according to your personal care needs and preferences.
Is a patch test necessary before using these products?
Despite the many benefits of botanicals, individual allergies and sensitivities can still arise. We recommend conducting a patch test to avoid any adverse reactions.
Storage and Shelf-life
How should I store the products?
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, and ensure the jar is tightly closed. Also, make sure to handle your product with clean, dry utensils to prevent the accidental introduction of water and contamination.
What is the shelf life of your products?
For optimal freshness and effectiveness, we recommend using our products within 1 year. The shelf life begins the moment you receive the products.
What are your products stored in?
Our products are stored in glass jars. We use glass for our products because glass is non-porous and does not release any toxic chemicals or microscopic particles. This ensures that our products remain as pure and effective as intended. Glass is also 100% recyclable, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and environmental health.
Packaging
Can I reuse the packaging?
Yes! We encourage recycling or repurposing the glass jar.
Purchasing and Promotions
Do you offer samples?
No samples are currently available, but stay tuned for future promotions.
How can I find out about promotions or discounts?
Sign up for our newsletter for all the latest offers and savings.
Shipping and Orders
How long does it take for my order to be shipped?
Each of our products is handmade in small batches, and freshly prepared daily, ensuring you receive nothing but the highest quality. We dedicate ourselves to handcrafting, processing, and dispatching orders within 7 business days. During periods of high demand, there may be a slight delay in shipment. Please allow a few extra days for your order to be shipped if we are experiencing a high volume of orders. Additionally, once your order is on its way, please anticipate additional days in transit before delivery. Your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated as we strive to deliver your products with care and speed. If you have any questions or need further assistance, we're here for you.
Additional Resources
Where can I find more care tips or application ideas for the mask?
Check our blog for additional usage ideas and care tips. For further inquiries or personalized advice, please don't hesitate to contact us at contact@botanicalvoyage.com.